Several major agrochemical and beef companies did not attend the second leg of South African Human Rights Commission hearings on food systems that began on 6 July.
The South African Human Rights Commission expressed disappointment at the absences. Commissioner Sandra Makoasha said the commission will announce steps and possible investigations by Friday.
Sparta Group sought a postponement through its advocate, noting the request was voluntary rather than a subpoena. Other absent parties included Schoeman Boerdery, the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa, the National Agricultural Marketing Council and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
Syngenta submitted that it operates as an upstream supplier with a minority market share and prices set by competition. GrainSA and Tiger Brands representatives addressed pesticide use, nutrition standards and market tariffs during their appearances.
Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso and acting Director-General Clinton Heimann presented on land reform on 7 July. They reported that 5.3 million hectares have been redistributed since 1994. The hearings continue until 10 July.